The engaging life story of Native American poet-prophet-activist John Trudell and his heartfelt message of active, personal responsibility to the earth, all of its inhabitants, and our descendants.

Trudell is a 2005 documentary film about the life of author and American Indian activist John Trudell. The film traces Trudell from his childhood in Omaha, Nebraska, to his role in the American Indian Movement, and finally to his rebirth as a musician and spoken word poet. Heather Rae produced and directed the film, which took her more than a decade to complete. Trudell aired nationally in the U.S. on April 11, 2006 as part of the Independent Lens series on PBS.

The film received generally mixed reviews from the critics.

... one of the most prominent and passionate advocates for Native American rights. ... [John Trudell] deserves more daring and objective scrutiny than this overly reverent tribute.
—Jeanette Catsoulis, The New York Times

By preaching so relentlessly to the choir, this film misses an opportunity to show what got them to sing in the first place.
—Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

Despite the rambling finish, however, overall the film is a thought-provoking and graceful portrait of a tenacious peace warrior whose frankness is his greatest weapon.
—Erin Meister, The Boston Globe